CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Classification, biodiversity and conservation

Classification, biodiversity and conservation: discuss question

Discuss7 marksChallenge

A critically endangered plant, the Mountain Bluebell (Campanula alpina ficta), is endemic to alpine meadows. Its population has declined due to climate change reducing snowmelt and competition from an invasive grass species, Poa invasa. The Bluebell Copper butterfly (Lycaena campanula) relies exclusively on the Mountain Bluebell for larval food. Conservation efforts include: collecting and storing seeds of the Mountain Bluebell in a seed bank at -20°C; maintaining a frozen zoo storing embryos of the Bluebell Copper; establishing a national park in the region to protect the habitat; and considering assisted reproduction techniques (IVF, embryo transfer, surrogacy) for the butterfly.

Discuss the roles of seed banks, frozen zoos, conserved areas, and assisted reproduction in conserving the Mountain Bluebell and Bluebell Copper. Include in your answer the importance of maintaining biodiversity and the need to control invasive alien species.

0 words · 7 marks

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